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How I Meal Plan as a Single Mum with Three Picky Eaters

Being a single mum is a rewarding yet challenging adventure, especially when it comes to managing mealtimes. With three picky eaters in the house, meal planning can feel like a Herculean task at times. However, through trial and error, I’ve developed a system that not only keeps my children satisfied but also saves time and stress in the kitchen. Here’s how I meal plan for my family of four, ensuring that everyone gets fed and happy.

Understanding Their Preferences

The first step in my meal planning journey was understanding the likes and dislikes of my children. Each child has their own unique preferences, and it can often feel like I’m catering to three different tastes. I made a list of meals that each child enjoys, which informed my future meal planning. For example, one child may love pasta, while another has an aversion to sauces. By acknowledging these differences, I can create a variety of meals that aim to please everyone, even if it means serving them in different ways.

The Power of Theme Nights

To make meal planning more manageable, I’ve implemented themed nights throughout the week. This gives my children something to look forward to and helps simplify my planning. Here are a few themes I use:

1. Meatless Monday: This is a great opportunity to incorporate more vegetables and pulses. I often make vegetable stir-fry or lentil curry, serving it with rice or quinoa.

2. Taco Tuesday: Tacos are perfect for picky eaters as they can customise their own. I provide a range of fillings—seasoned beans, grilled chicken, cheese, and various toppings. Each child can build their own taco, allowing them to choose what they want to eat.

3. Pasta Night on Wednesday: Pasta is a family favourite. I usually keep it simple with a plain tomato sauce or a sprinkle of olive oil and cheese. For those who fancy something different, I might prepare pesto on the side.

4. Throwback Thursday: This is when we revisit classics, such as fish fingers and chips or shepherd’s pie. Nostalgia often helps in convincing them to eat what’s on their plates.

5. Fun Friday: This is our pizza night, where we have the freedom to create our own. I provide bases and toppings, allowing the kids to express their creativity (and control) over what goes onto their pizzas.

Weekly Planning and Shopping

Each Sunday, I sit down with my calendar and jot down meal ideas based on the themes I’ve established. I take into account any food that may be left over from the previous week, incorporating them into the upcoming menu. To ease the burden of shopping, I create a comprehensive grocery list that corresponds with my meal ideas, ensuring that I only buy what I need.

I also try to buy in bulk when possible. Items like rice, pasta, and canned beans can feed a family for several meals and can often be stored for longer periods—making them cost-effective, too. I aim to maximise savings while minimising food waste.

Embracing Batch Cooking

Batch cooking has been a game-changer for us. When I have some spare time, I prepare large quantities of meals and freeze portions for later use. This works particularly well for soups, stews, and pasta sauces. On days when time is tight or when our schedules are hectic, I can simply defrost a meal, reheat, and serve, making dinner time more manageable.

Encouraging Involvement

To keep my kids engaged and interested in the meals we prepare, I involve them in the cooking process. They help with washing vegetables or stirring ingredients. Not only does this serve as quality bonding time, but it also encourages them to try new things. My hope is that by participating, they’ll develop a broader palate and become more adventurous eaters over time.

Flexibility is Key

While having a plan is incredibly useful, I’ve learned to be flexible. Sometimes, unexpected events arise, or a particular meal just doesn’t resonate with my kids. When this happens, I ensure I have a few go-to backup meals that they enjoy, such as scrambled eggs or cheese toasties. This flexibility reduces stress and allows our mealtimes to be enjoyable rather than a battleground.

Conclusion

Meal planning as a single mum with three picky eaters presents its challenges, but with a bit of organisation, creativity, and teamwork, it can also be a fulfilling part of our daily routine. By understanding their preferences, establishing themes, embracing batch cooking, and remaining flexible, I’ve been able to turn mealtimes into a nurturing experience rather than a chore. With each meal, I aim to not only nourish my children but also empower them to explore new flavours and take an active role in their food choices. And that, after all, is the ultimate victory in the kitchen.

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